Meaning of the word pinched in English

What does pinched mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

pinched

US /pɪntʃt/

UK /pɪntʃt/

suffering from a lack of money, food, etc.

Example:

•

The family was pinched for cash after the job loss.

•

They lived a rather pinched existence, always careful with expenses.

Synonym:

straitened impoverished deprived destitute poor

(of a person's face or features) appearing thin and drawn, especially from illness, hunger, or cold

Example:

•

His face looked pale and pinched after days of fever.

•

Her lips were pinched with cold.

Synonym:

haggard drawn gaunt emaciated thin

to grip (something, especially a person's flesh) tightly and sharply between finger and thumb or between two surfaces

Example:

•

She pinched his arm to get his attention.

•

The new shoes pinched her toes.

Synonym:

squeeze nip compress cramp constrict

to steal (something, especially something of small value)

Example:

•

He was caught trying to pinch a candy bar from the store.

•

Someone must have pinched my pen.

Synonym:

steal pilfer swipe lift snitch